Introduction

As the global energy transition accelerates, the limitations of individual renewable energy sources – namely, their inherent intermittency and variability – have become increasingly apparent. Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) offer a powerful solution by intelligently combining two or more renewable generation technologies (e.g., solar PV and wind) with or without energy storage (e.g., batteries), and potentially conventional backup. This strategic integration significantly enhances system reliability, optimizes resource utilization, and ensures a more consistent and dispatchable power supply compared to standalone systems. HRES can overcome the drawbacks of single-source renewables, reducing dependence on the grid, minimizing environmental impact, and providing resilient power to remote areas or critical loads. Without a deep understanding of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, stakeholders risk suboptimal designs, inefficient operations, and an inability to fully harness the diverse benefits of renewable energy portfolios. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, renewable energy developers, system integrators, project managers, and researchers with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to design, analyze, and operate Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems effectively. Participants will gain a deep understanding of various HRES configurations, explore the technical and economic considerations for optimal component sizing and integration, learn about advanced control strategies for seamless operation, and acquire skills in utilizing simulation and optimization software for performance assessment and techno-economic viability. The course will delve into topics such as resource assessment for multiple renewables, power electronic interfaces, microgrid applications of HRES, energy management systems (EMS), economic analysis, grid interconnection challenges, and the role of demand-side management in hybrid systems. By mastering the principles and practical application of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, participants will be prepared to contribute significantly to the deployment of robust, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for diverse applications, from off-grid communities to grid-connected industrial facilities.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Renewable Energy, Power Systems)
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Energy Storage System Integrators
• System Design and Consulting Engineers
• Project Managers for Energy Infrastructure
• Researchers and Academics in Renewable Energy
• Utility Planners and Engineers (for DER integration)
• Smart Grid Architects
• Policy Makers and Regulators
• Professionals working in Rural Electrification

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and benefits of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES).
• Learn about the various configurations and components of HRES.
• Acquire skills in assessing and characterizing multiple renewable resources for hybrid systems.
• Comprehend techniques for optimal sizing and selection of HRES components.
• Explore strategies for integrating energy storage effectively within hybrid systems.
• Understand the importance of power electronic interfaces and control strategies for HRES.
• Gain insights into energy management systems (EMS) for hybrid system operation.
• Develop a practical understanding of microgrid applications of HRES.
• Learn about economic and financial viability analysis for HRES projects.
• Master the use of simulation and optimization software for HRES design.
• Acquire skills in managing grid interconnection challenges for HRES.
• Understand the reliability and resilience aspects of hybrid systems.
• Explore advanced control algorithms and forecasting techniques for HRES.
• Develop proficiency in addressing the operational complexities of HRES.
• Prepare to design, evaluate, and implement robust and sustainable HRES solutions.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES)

• Definition and rationale for HRES.
• Advantages of hybrid systems over standalone renewable sources.
• Components of HRES: solar PV, wind turbines, biomass, hydro, energy storage, conventional backup.
• Classification of HRES: grid-connected, off-grid (standalone), microgrid applications.
• Global trends and growth of HRES.

Module 2: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for HRES

• Principles of solar PV power generation.
• Types of PV modules and array configurations.
• MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) for PV systems.
• Performance factors for PV: irradiance, temperature, shading.
• Sizing and design considerations for PV in hybrid systems.

Module 3: Wind Power Systems for HRES

• Fundamentals of wind energy conversion.
• Small to medium-scale wind turbine types and characteristics.
• Wind resource assessment and site selection.
• Power curve and energy yield estimation for wind turbines.
• Integration challenges and opportunities for wind in HRES.

Module 4: Energy Storage Technologies for HRES

• Importance of energy storage in hybrid systems for reliability and dispatchability.
• Battery energy storage systems (BESS): Li-ion, lead-acid, flow batteries, etc.
• Other storage options: supercapacitors, flywheels, thermal storage.
• Sizing and optimal management of energy storage for HRES.
• Degradation and lifecycle considerations for storage.

Module 5: Power Electronic Interfaces in HRES

• Role of inverters and converters in hybrid systems.
• Grid-tied inverters, off-grid inverters, bidirectional converters.
• DC-DC converters for optimal energy transfer.
• Challenges and solutions for multi-source converter interaction.
• Control strategies for power electronic interfaces.

Module 6: HRES Configurations and Design Considerations

• DC coupled vs. AC coupled hybrid systems.
• Standalone HRES: components, design for reliability.
• Grid-connected HRES: interaction with the main grid.
• Microgrid architecture with hybrid renewable sources.
• Load characterization and critical load definition for sizing.

Module 7: Resource Assessment and Sizing Optimization

• Data collection and analysis for solar, wind, and other resources.
• Statistical methods for resource characterization.
• Load matching strategies for HRES.
• Optimization algorithms for optimal component sizing (e.g., genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization).
• Techno-economic optimization goals (minimize LCOE, maximize reliability).

Module 8: Energy Management Systems (EMS) for HRES

• Functions of HRES EMS: monitoring, forecasting, control, optimization.
• Real-time dispatch strategies for hybrid components.
• Predictive control based on load and generation forecasts.
• Rule-based control vs. optimization-based control.
• Communication protocols for HRES EMS.

Module 9: Control Strategies for HRES Operation

• Grid-connected mode operation: power export/import control, ancillary services.
• Islanded mode operation: voltage and frequency control, black start.
• Seamless transition between grid-connected and islanded modes.
• Droop control for load sharing in islanded AC microgrids.
• Supervisory control and coordination of multiple DERs.

Module 10: Economic and Financial Analysis of HRES

• Cost components of HRES: capital, O&M, replacement costs.
• Economic metrics: Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period.
• Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) calculation for hybrid systems.
• Incentives, subsidies, and financing options for HRES projects.
• Risk assessment and sensitivity analysis for financial viability.

Module 11: Reliability and Resilience of HRES

• Metrics for reliability assessment: Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP), Expected Energy Not Supplied (EENS).
• Impact of component failures on system reliability.
• Designing for resilience against natural disasters and grid outages.
• Redundancy and backup strategies in HRES.
• Enhanced resilience for critical infrastructure.

Module 12: Grid Interconnection and Power Quality

• Interconnection standards and grid codes for HRES.
• Managing power quality issues: harmonics, flickers, voltage sags/swells.
• Reactive power control and voltage support from HRES.
• Impact of HRES on grid stability and dispatchability.
• Facilitating ancillary service provision from HRES.

Module 13: Simulation and Optimization Tools for HRES

• Introduction to HRES specific software (e.g., HOMER Pro, EnergyPLAN, MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD).
• Building models of hybrid systems in simulation environments.
• Performing energy flow analysis and long-term simulations.
• Techno-economic optimization using built-in or external optimizers.
• Interpreting simulation results and validating designs.

Module 14: Demand-Side Management (DSM) and Load Control

• Role of DSM in optimizing HRES performance.
• Strategies for reducing or shifting peak loads.
• Automated demand response in hybrid microgrids.
• Load prioritization for critical services.
• Smart home and building energy management systems integration with HRES.

Module 15: Advanced Topics and Future Trends

• Blockchain for decentralized energy trading within HRES.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for predictive control and optimization.
• Power-to-X technologies in HRES (e.g., hydrogen production).
• Integration of electric vehicles (EVs) as mobile storage in HRES.
• Regulatory and policy evolution for promoting HRES deployment.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.